Effect of hydrogen addition on combustion and emission characteristics of methane fuelled upward swirl can combustor

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2018-09, Vol.43 (36), p.17505-17519
• Main Authors: Rajpara, Parag, Shah, Rupesh, Banerjee, Jyotirmay
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical kinetics; CO emission; Flame visualization; Hydrogen addition; NOx emission; Upward swirl combustor
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.07.111

The present research aims to assess the potential of hydrogen in the form of a supplementary fuel to accelerate combustion chemistry and reduce CO emissions of methane fuelled upward swirl gas turbine combustor. Effects of hydrogen enrichment on flame characteristics and chemical kinetics are analysed using Large Eddy Simulations (LES). Flame visualization is performed and measurements of temperature and emissions at the exit of combustor are reported. For the same energy input, flames are relatively broader and shorter at higher hydrogen concentrations. Augmentation of hydrogen is advantageous in terms of flame velocity, temperature, rate of chemical reactions and CO emissions. Higher flame temperature favours NOx emissions at higher hydrogen content. At a constant volumetric fuel flow, reduction in carbon-generated species is attributed to hydrocarbon substitution and chemical kinetic effects are less. Hydrogen addition increases flame temperature, decreases flame dimensions and reduces CO emissions with marginal increase in NOx emissions. •Hydrogen-enriched methane flames are visualized for upward swirl combustor.•Chemical kinetic effect of hydrogen on methane-air reaction is analysed.•Flame characteristics is altered significantly due to hydrogen enrichment in methane.•CO concentrations are reduced considerably due to hydrogen substitution.•High reactivity of hydrogen increases flame temperature and hence NOx emission.